For decades the big football rivalry in Barnstable has been with Falmouth. Now the Raiders have another challenger determined to keep them on their guard.Last Friday night, for the second year in a row after a 31-year hiatus, the Barnstable Red Raiders battled the D-Y Dolphins. This time the game was in Dolphin territory, where the fanfare -- and the game - was no less dramatic.

While the teams' 2006 game was decisive, this season's gridiron go-round was a true nail-biter, ending with a final score of 24-23, Dolphins.

Although Barnstable's offense was stellar with the Raiders showing tremendous strength, it all came down to big plays.

The Dolphins hit the board first on an impressive 75-yard touchdown from DY's Joe Jamiel, followed by a successful kick by Phil Ford.

After Barnstable saw their TD hopes dashed by a fumble, D-Y scored again on another Jamiel sprint, bringing the score to 14-0.

Barnstable roared back in the second quarter, when the team's offense stepped up their efforts, working their way downfield and allowing Garrett Mills to cross into TD territory from the 1-yard-line. A 2-point conversion pass from John Gomes to Robert Fulham brought the score to 14-8.

D-Y came back with a long drive of their own that ended in a good 18-yard field goal that gave the Dolphins a 17-8 lead at the half.

Following the break the Raiders returned to the field more determined than ever, quickly bringing the score to within two points when a beautiful 25-yard pass between Gomes and Isaiah Voegeli made way for nice TD from Mills and a good kick from Mike Perhick for a tally of 17-15.

The Dolphins took a 24-15 lead soon after, though, after recovering a Raider fumble near the end of the third quarter.

Refusing to bow out quietly, the Raiders cut the deficit to 24-21 thanks to terrific play from Jordan Looby who turned in an 11-yard touchdown with less than eight minutes left in the game. Another 2-point conversion, this time from Voegeli, brought the score to within one point.

Unfortunately, although Barnstable remained strong in the game's final minutes, D-Y was able to prevent forward progress, keeping the score at 24-23.

In spite of the loss, it was a solid night for the Raiders. Looby led his team with 96 yards rushing and one TD, while Gomes completed five of nine passes sent his way resulting in 82 yards, and rushed 22. Teammate Fulham rushed for 83 yards in the game and Mills had 63 yards and two TD's.

Last year marked the first year the two teams had played each other in football since 1975 due to differences in skill level.

At press time the Raiders were scheduled to travel to Lexington for a 6 p.m. road game. The team's next home game will be on Sept. 29 against Gloucester at 2 p.m.